RarePlane Supermarine 224

[Andrew Gorman]

I almost have the thing stuck together!  This is a fun project, and this group build is just the kick in the pants I needed to try a vacuform.  Test fit as you sand away the backing sheet- I took my Sharpie lines as gospel and had to add a shim to one wheel pant. And thinning down the trailing edges of the wings and tail is more tedious than I thought, but 60 grit sandpaper taped to a piece of glass has helped a lot.  Once the cutting and sanding is done, it's really like putting together a poorly fitting kit from the 1950's.  Of course, YOU are cutting the pieces to fit so any problems are your fault.  In this particular case the top and bottom halves of the wings didn't seem to fit well.  I followed the scant instructions and cut the lower (less visible) wing into 5 sections.  Fit was better, but the wheel pants ended up canted towards the centerline, and the fuselage belly ended up 2 or 3 mm too narrow. A little shimming, and replacing the  belly part with a piece of a ball-point pen barrel has  solved the problems so far.  I've been using Aves Apoxie Sculpt as filler, and it is truly wondrous stuff.  Pictures wil follow, once I'm sure I won't embarass myself with another uncompleted project.  I'm happy with the progress so far, and the model is so small I'll find some way to paint it under current time and stink restrictions.  I have  a vacuform Bristol Buckmaster and a Dornier 22 waiting if I want to get into this deeper...
Andrew

[K5054NZ]

At least you've had the guts to even cut out the parts! Mine still sits and stares me in the face, daring me to open the pack.



"C'mon..........make my day............"



Little punk styrene......

Anyways, any chance of some pics? And what's the scheme you have planned?

[Andrew Gorman]

Don't let that blob of hydrocarbons get the better of you- chop it up!  I've got a lone picture up at:
http://groups.msn.com/ModelersAndHobbyForu...to&PhotoID=1112
I'm planning to add some tiny bombs from a Matchbox Heyford kit, and to carry all that extra weight, added a 1920's style supercharger to the starboard side.  Actually it's a b-58 wheel, and a little too big.  FInal color scheme will be an unholy amalgam of schemes from:
http://www.geocities.com/cwlam2000hk/part1.htm
Roughly the Kwangsi Air Force, odd layered roundels ( Brian da Basher sent me some 1/144 gearwheels that I'll layer over something else) and a line of Asian text a la Manchukuo Air Force on the fuselage- looks like it will be Japanese from an airliner decal sheet, but obviously I'm not shooting for accuracy. Color might be RLM 78 hellblau, or some other bluish grey- depends what paints haven't gone bad on me!
Andrew

[Brian da Basher]

Wow looking good Andrew! I'm so happy those Chinese Nationalist markings found a good home! I'm really looking forward to seeing more of your progress on this one.

Brian da Basher

[K5054NZ]

BUMP


How's she coming, Andrew?

[K5054NZ]

Just started mine about an hour ago - have the fuse together and the wings are drying. Hopefully by days' end she'll be done!



















No, honest. I mean it. 90min ago she was styrene sheet.

[Andrew Gorman]

Is there a record for the number of edits to a post?  Anyway, reasonably sized images are up at:
http://groups.msn.com/ModelersAndHobbyForu...rmarine224.msnw
It's not done yet, but the end is in sight.
Andrew

[Brian da Basher]

Looking good Mr Gorman! I love those unique markings! I just wish the pics were larger! Hopefully on your next update.

Great work!

Brian da Basher

[John Howling Mouse]

I truly admire the creativity on this one: really what Whiffing is all about!

Keep the pics coming...please!